Ron Hynes back on tour after overcoming cancer

Ron Hynesthought he was dealing with a common condition that causes people'sjaw to lock up but it turned out he had a cancerous tumour in his throat.

The singer andsongwriter from Newfoundland and Labrador has been making music since the 1970s. Now, he's back on tour after receiving treatment for his throat cancer and hewill play a show in Sudburyon Thursday night at the Motley Kitchen.

Hynesreceived some chemotherapy, but the main course of treatment was radiation.In 2013, Hynes said he was declared cancer free, but told it would take a couple of years for his vocal cords to recover.

"While they are frying that tumour, they are frying your vocal chords as well," he said.

While speakingand singing is still sometimes difficult,Hynes said he wanted to get back out on tour as quickly as possible because he can't image his life without music.

"I have to keep doing what I do. Because if not, I might as well just lay down and die. This is what I do. This is who I am."

Hynes said he has quit smoking and has made other changes to his lifestyle to help with his recovery.

He plans to record more music once his voice is strong enough.

The concert featuring Ron Hynes is part of a series of performances hosted by the Motley Kitchen in Sudbury.

The restaurant and event venue will feature singer/songwriter Jadea Kelly on Jan.29and the bluegrass band The Slocan Ramblers on Feb. 12.